This is The A-Side Live Chat on MMA Fighting.
Today on the show, we’ll be talking all the aftermath from UFC 235, which was headlined by Jon Jones’ successful light heavyweight title defense against Anthony Smith. Was how the fight shook out surprising? What should be next for Jones? Does Smith have a path back to a title fight like he wants?
We’ll also discuss the potential for a welterweight title fight between new UFC champion Kamaru Usman and former interim champion Colby Covington, who made a lot of noise last week in Las Vegas. Is that the fight to make next? Did Covington help himself by showing up everywhere during UFC 235 fight week? How good was Usman’s performance against Tyron Woodley?
In addition, Ben Askren and Dana White have continued butting heads with White wanting Askren to rematch Robbie Lawler after a controversial finish and Askren preferring the Darren Till vs. Jorge Masvidal winner. Does White really have it out for Askren? If so, why? Is Askren building up this feud with White intentionally?
We will also speak about UFC Wichita, which is coming up Saturday night on ESPN+ and headlined by a big heavyweight bout between Junior dos Santos and Derrick Lewis. How will that fight most likely go? Can Lewis get back into title consideration sooner rather than later? Is there anything else on the card worth checking out?
Also on tap, we’ll chat about the future of Johnny Walker in the UFC’s light heavyweight division following his big flying knee knockout of Misha Cirkunov. How close is he to a title shot? What should be next for him?
If there is time, we can also talk about the big ONE Championship card coming up in Tokyo. Demetrious Johnson, Sage Northcutt and Eddie Alvarez did a media tour last week in Las Vegas and Los Angeles and Marc was on site for both. ONE also introduced its latest signing, Vitor Belfort, in Las Vegas.
Plus, there was another fighter revealed dealing with the same issues as Jon Jones, Muslim Salikhov. We can further hash that out.
There is plenty to talk about, so join us to discuss all of the above and much more. All is up for discussion. The chat will start at our time of 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT.
As always, we’ll post the video window as the event draws near and answer any questions you might have if you post them in the comments below. For the comments you deem the most deserving, please click the “rec” button. Comments in green will get first priority.
Please link this page and use the hashtags #theaside or #chatwrappers on Twitter when you’re watching to tell everyone you’re taking part with us.
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